The Arkansas sports betting scene just went next level. On February 26, 2026, the Arkansas Racing Commission gave a **unanimous** thumbs-up to FanDuel and DraftKings, officially bringing the two biggest names in sports wagering to the state. This move changes the game for bettors who’ve seen their options limited for years, and it was a long time coming.
The Long Road to the Giants
Before these giants dropped anchor, Arkansas had a unique setup, to put it mildly. Sports betting has been legal since 2019, with online action kicking off in 2022. So the passion for betting was always there. But getting the big-time operators onboard wasn’t easy. The state rolled out a strict 51% revenue-sharing rule back in December 2021, finalized in February 2022. That meant more than half of a third-party operator’s revenue goes directly to their in-state partner. That’s a tough split, and it kept the biggest players hesitant. Apps like Betly from Southland Casino, BETSaracen from Saracen Casino, and the Oaklawn Sports app led the charge for a while, but fans knew what was missing.
The Big Names Make Their Move
Finally, DraftKings and FanDuel decided to play ball. They accepted that 51% split, making their partnerships official. DraftKings linked up with Southland Casino Hotel, and FanDuel teamed up with Oaklawn Casino to power their brand new Arkansas apps. The rollout was swift, too, with both apps going live on March 20, 2026. This is huge for bettors, finally getting access to the platforms they’ve been waiting for, packed with features and competitive odds. And if you’re looking to dive in, FanDuel’s even dropping a sweet promo for new users: bet $5 for seven days and snag $350 in bonus bets. That’s a serious welcome package!
A Billion Dollar Market Roars to Life
Don’t think this market was waiting around. Arkansas sportsbooks had already cleared a massive $1 billion in total handle by September 24, 2024. Let that sink in. A billion dollars! That’s a serious chunk of change, showing just how hungry the state’s fans were for more betting options, even with the previous limitations. Now, with industry titans DraftKings and FanDuel in the mix, bringing their massive platforms and marketing power, those numbers are about to climb even higher. This isn’t just about adding a couple more apps; it’s about a market reaching its full potential.
What’s Next for Arkansas Betting
So, what’s next for Arkansas betting? With the biggest names finally in the door and a proven billion-dollar market, the future looks bright. Bettors now have more choice, more action, and those sweet promos ready to go. It’s a whole new era for sports wagering in Arkansas, and it feels like the big show is only just getting started. Get ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply